Preseason Farrell 50: Nos. 16-20
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report…
With the college football season nearly upon us, it’s time for another installment of the Farrell 50, the top 50 college football players in the country. However, as usual here at Rivals.com, we take a quick look at how each ranked out of high school and if they are exceeding or simply living up to expectations. Today continue with 16-20 led by a record-setting quarterback.
MORE FARRELL 50: Nos. 21 - 25 | 26-30 | 31-35 | 36-40 | 41 - 45 | 46-50
The skinny: After an impressive showing at a summer camp and then a big senior season, Samuel earned an offer from South Carolina, which quickly led to his commitment. North Carolina, NC State and Vanderbilt were also being considered. Samuel was off to a fantastic start last fall when an injury ended his season after only three games. Now fully healthy, look for the Gamecocks to try and get the ball into his hands as often as possible on offense, while also using his game-breaking skills on special teams.
Farrell’s take: Samuel was a burner out of high school who didn’t have great size, but had that extra gear to beat anyone he needed. It’s unclear why he wasn’t recruited a bit heavier and we certainly underrated him as a high three-star. He showed excellent route-running ability as well as reliable hands and excelled at the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, where he probably should have earned that fourth star.
The skinny: Dillon initially committed to Michigan during the spring after his junior season, but then flipped to Boston College in December. While he was committed to the Wolverines, the BC staff never eased up on its pursuit of the in-state running back. Jonathan Taylor received a majority of the publicity when it comes to true freshman running backs last season, but Dillon also put on a show in Chestnut Hill with 1,589 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Eagles.
Farrell’s take: Dillon was a big kid with solid speed and nifty feet that we liked, but I didn’t think he was as quick as he showed at the college level or as evasive. He was a workhorse for Boston College this past season and has shown vision and footwork. His ability to run with power and always fall forward for extra yards have been impressive as well. He looks a bit like a young Derrick Henry and a 2,000-yard season isn’t out of the question.
The skinny: There was little suspense in Williams’ recruitment as he took numerous unofficial visits to LSU before committing to the Tigers. After redshirting in 2016, Williams quickly established himself as one of the top redshirt freshman in the country in 2017. Totaling 38 tackles, 10 pass break-ups and six interceptions last season, Williams is in line to become the next great defensive back at LSU.
Farrell’s take: A high three-star out of high school, Williams was tall and long enough but needed to fill out and become more physical. However, he always had excellent ball skills and instincts. Williams was a willing tackler and always aggressive so we knew he’d have a chance at success with some time, but we were still worried about the overall balance of his game as a defender and tackler. Many schools tried to get him and his brother, Rodarius Williams, as a package deal but Greedy stayed home at LSU while Rodarius went off to Oklahoma State when the Tigers never offered.
The skinny: Williams played his high school football in California, but he actually grew up in SEC country, which is why Alabama became an immediate player for him. After the Crimson Tide offered in March and he took a visit to Tuscaloosa, he committed in early April. Williams, who has made an impact with the Tide since his true freshman season, has established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the country, and also one of the top NFL Draft picks at his position for next spring.
Farrell’s take: Williams was the rare five-star prospect who didn’t attend camps, didn’t care about all-star games and just dominated on the football field with pads and a helmet on. We saw him in game action but never got to see him go against the elite defensive linemen in the country at any events. But it didn’t matter to us, because he was so good in person and on film, and he had that throwback, nasty attitude of the greats of yesteryear. Williams just wanted to destroy the player in front of him and help his team win - he didn’t care about gear, free trips or rankings. He’s clearly showing our faith in his film was warranted.
The skinny: Lock committed to Missouri in April of his junior year over Ohio State, Tennessee, Michigan State and others. With his father and grandfather having both played for the Tigers, there wasn’t a great deal of drama in his recruitment, despite Michigan making a late push for his services. Lock followed up an impressive 2016 season with an even better 2017 season; throwing for 3,964 yards and 44 touchdowns.
Farrell’s take: I liked Lock a lot as a high school prospect even though he was tall, skinny and needed to fill out quite a bit. He was a bit of a project because of his frame, but he had a compact release and could get some zip on his passes. Lock struggled a bit throwing downfield and that still needs improvement, although he’s come a long way. He broke out this past season and he’s improved his accuracy greatly. Now that he’s a 225-pounder, his arm strength has improved quite a bit from high school and if he continues to improve he could set more records in the SEC.
